AARON CLAYTON SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS IN HORRINGER FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT NEAR BURY ST EDMUNDS
| Red Rose Database
Horringer Sexual Abuser
In a highly charged courtroom scene at Ipswich Crown Court, Aaron Clayton, a 32-year-old resident of College Close, Horringer, faced the consequences of his actions after being convicted of sexually assaulting a child. Despite his persistent denial of the allegations throughout a three-day trial, the court found sufficient evidence to sentence him to a six-year prison term.
The sentencing hearing was marked by emotional outbursts from Clayton’s family and friends, who expressed their disagreement vociferously. Judge Rupert Overbury, presiding over the case, described his impressions of the young victim, noting that she appeared cheerful and engaging during their initial meeting. The judge, however, acknowledged that a victim impact statement presented a starkly different account of her emotional state, revealing the profound effect the assault had on her.
This discrepancy led to a tense scene in the courtroom, with one of Clayton’s supporters loudly protesting, prompting Judge Overbury to halt proceedings and order the removal of Clayton’s supporters from the courtroom. The disruption was further exacerbated by shouting and swearing from several individuals in the gallery. After police and court ushers managed to restore order, the judge resumed the sentencing, allowing Clayton’s father to re-enter the courtroom.
Throughout the proceedings, Judge Overbury emphasized that the court’s decision would not be influenced by the earlier disruptions or the support shown by Clayton’s family. He clarified that the defendant’s previous criminal record, which includes 27 convictions across 43 offences—none of which were sexual in nature—would not be a primary factor in the sentencing. However, the judge pointed out that Clayton posed a high, though not substantial, risk to children in the future.
In addition to the prison sentence, Clayton was subjected to lifelong sex offender registration requirements and was issued a sexual offences prevention order designed to restrict his contact with minors. The judge stressed the importance of safeguarding young people from potential future harm, stating, “It is necessary to protect young people from any future offences by you. I am under a duty to pass a sentence that is commensurate with your offending.”
The court determined that Clayton would serve half of his six-year sentence in custody, with the remainder to be served on licence, ensuring ongoing supervision and restrictions after his release.
The sentencing hearing was marked by emotional outbursts from Clayton’s family and friends, who expressed their disagreement vociferously. Judge Rupert Overbury, presiding over the case, described his impressions of the young victim, noting that she appeared cheerful and engaging during their initial meeting. The judge, however, acknowledged that a victim impact statement presented a starkly different account of her emotional state, revealing the profound effect the assault had on her.
This discrepancy led to a tense scene in the courtroom, with one of Clayton’s supporters loudly protesting, prompting Judge Overbury to halt proceedings and order the removal of Clayton’s supporters from the courtroom. The disruption was further exacerbated by shouting and swearing from several individuals in the gallery. After police and court ushers managed to restore order, the judge resumed the sentencing, allowing Clayton’s father to re-enter the courtroom.
Throughout the proceedings, Judge Overbury emphasized that the court’s decision would not be influenced by the earlier disruptions or the support shown by Clayton’s family. He clarified that the defendant’s previous criminal record, which includes 27 convictions across 43 offences—none of which were sexual in nature—would not be a primary factor in the sentencing. However, the judge pointed out that Clayton posed a high, though not substantial, risk to children in the future.
In addition to the prison sentence, Clayton was subjected to lifelong sex offender registration requirements and was issued a sexual offences prevention order designed to restrict his contact with minors. The judge stressed the importance of safeguarding young people from potential future harm, stating, “It is necessary to protect young people from any future offences by you. I am under a duty to pass a sentence that is commensurate with your offending.”
The court determined that Clayton would serve half of his six-year sentence in custody, with the remainder to be served on licence, ensuring ongoing supervision and restrictions after his release.